Wednesday's COVID-19 cases in our area
biggest increases today in Bradley, Whitfield and Marion counties
Businesses urged to stop soliciting tourists during pandemic
SEVIERVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee officials say tourism businesses should stop soliciting tourists in order to stop the spread of the coronavirus. The mayors of five Sevier County cities are urging leisure businesses to halt guests through mid-April. WBIR-TV reports…
Governor announces Shelter In Place order for Georgia
"This is a game changer."
Tuesday Covid-19 Cases
We now top 100 cases in the Tennessee Valley and Polk County is the only one left without a case
Tennessee midwives see surge of interests from expecting mothers due to Coronavirus
HAMILTON COUNTY, Tenn (WDEF) - The coronavirus pandemic is creating even more anxiety for women who are expectant mothers. Some are now preparing for the possibility of not having a traditional hospital birth, as they once planned. Pregnancy and birth should…
High winds leave damage, power outages in Alabama
High winds have toppled trees in central Alabama, blocking roads and causing power outages.
Monday COVID-19 cases
86 cases now in the News 12 coverage area, seeing a big jump in our outlying counties since Friday. 5 deaths now in the region.
Governor: dozens at Tennessee nursing home have virus
NASHVILLE (WDEF) - Authorities say a new coronavirus outbreak at a Tennessee nursing home has prompted it to be temporarily closed for cleaning while dozens of its residents and staff members go into quarantine. A hospital says without elaborating that two…
Gov. Lee issues Safer-at-Home order closing more business
NASHVILLE (WDEF) - As pressure is mounting on Governor Lee to do more about the cornoavirus, he orders a "Safer-at-Home" order for Tennessee. The order closes all nonessential businesses. This is a step short of a shelter-in-place order. And it…
Patients at a Gallatin nursing home being moved out after COVID-19 cases
UPDATE: Officials now say 19 patients were moved, some of them have tested positive for COVID-19. More patients may need to be moved pending test results. "This spread in this one facility is indicative of the seriousness of this virus…
Tennessee gov expects 'significant' unemployment pay boost
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee says he expects a “significant increase” to unemployment payout amounts for people out of work due to the coronavirus pandemic because of congressional legislation. Lee told reporters Friday he doesn't know the…
UT Trustees appoint Boyd to 5-year term as president
Board Chair John Compton said there was strong support for Boyd to continue as president.
Friday COVID-19 Cases
A few more cases today in Jackson, Bradley and Hamilton counties, but not many.
Tennessee gets $476K grant for tornado victim mental health
Tennessee has landed a $476,000 federal grant to support the mental health needs of victims of deadly tornadoes earlier this month.
Vehicle Emissions Testing in Tennessee Suspended Until May 18
Vehicle emissions testing in Hamilton County are suspended until May 18 as part of Governor Lee's executive order issued March 24.
Alabama schools to finish year through distance learning
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has directed public schools to finish the year academic year through distance learning as the state tries to slow the spread of coronavirus. Alabama Superintendent of Education Eric Mackey said Thursday that…
Governor Kemp addresses state as Covid-19 cases climb
He asks Georgians to give him 15 days of compliance to "turn this curve."
Thursday COVID-19 Cases
Local cases rising across the Tennessee Valley, including the first positive cases in Meigs and DeKalb counties
Tennessee Unemployment Numbers See Unprecedented Spike
The state of Tennessee experienced an unprecedented spike in new initial unemployment claims.
Wednesday COVID-19 case update
We now have our first 3 deaths in this area, 2 in Hamilton and one in Jackson county, AL
Tennessee State Parks restricting use, but not closing
NASHVILLE (WDEF) - Tennessee State Parks are shortening hours and restricting usage during the COVID-19 pandemic. But they are stopping short of shutting down parks. Officials are joining state health experts in discouraging us from travelling, but still encourage us…
Red Cross extends financial help deadline after tornadoes
The American Red Cross said Wednesday it continues to offer emergency financial help for Middle Tennessee residents whose homes were damaged or destroyed in the tornadoes that tore through the region in early March.
Doctors plead with Tennessee governor for stay-at-home order
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Doctors across Tennessee are pleading with Gov. Bill Lee to take stronger action to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus. Dr. Aaron Milstone warned on a webinair Tuesday that without action, tens of thousands of…
Ivey: No plans for a statewide shelter in place order
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey said she has no plans to issue a statewide “shelter in place" order to combat the new coronavirus. Citing economic concerns, Ivey signaled a reluctance to join the states, including New York,…